Kenya Power, the national electricity distributor, has announced planned power outages across sections of Nyeri, Embu, and Kiambu counties on Monday, October 13, 2025. These interruptions are part of routine maintenance aimed at upgrading infrastructure and enhancing the reliability of the electricity grid.

The announcement, disseminated via Kenya Power's official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, October 12, 2025, provided detailed timelines and specific locations to enable residents and businesses to prepare for the temporary disruption.

Affected Areas and Timelines

In Nyeri County, power interruptions are scheduled from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT. Areas impacted include King'ong'o near Dedan Kimathi University, Gamerock, Mt. Kenya Bottlers, Chania MOW, Garden Estate, King'ong'o Prisons, Highlands, KIE, Hill Farm, Hill Court, Kahawa Ridge, Sunrise Hostels, Bomas, Kabiru-Ini, Showground & Police Post, Major Seminary, Eunice Academy, Embassy Shopping Centre, Thathua, and Golden Gates Hotel.

Embu County residents in the Ishiara and Karurumo areas will experience outages from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EAT. The affected locations include Kanyombora, Kagaga, Iriri, Karerema, Kabubu Kanyama, Kamumu, Kadde, Gatatha, Kavegero, Mugwanjogu, Kasafari, Karagare, Intex Crasher, Murari, and other nearby areas.

Kiambu County will face planned outages in the Mataara and Gacharage Market areas from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT. This will affect Mataara Tea Factory, Ngethu Water Works, Upper Camp, Gathugu Village, Gachege Tea Factory, Gituamba Market, Gatunguru Boys, Mataara Dispensary, Miuugu Village, Kiriko Mission, Kariminu Water, Kanyoni Market, Ndiko Market, Gakoe Market, Gicheha Farm, Thuraku Village, Karatu Market, Wanuugu Village, Kirangi Village, Ituramiro Market, Gacharage Water, Gairi Market, Ndairegu Water, Gaiteete Market, Kaguyi Village, Karinga Girls, and Igamba Market, along with adjacent customers.

Context and Rationale for Outages

Kenya Power routinely undertakes planned outages for several critical reasons, including system upgrades, new customer connections, and the maintenance and replacement of infrastructure. These efforts are essential to reinforce the electricity grid, improve supply quality, and reduce the frequency of unplanned blackouts. The company has been investing in significant infrastructure enhancements, including substation development and the expansion of distribution lines, to meet growing demand and enhance reliability.

The utility firm has outlined plans for grid modernization and digitization, which include investing in smart meters and automated maintenance systems to improve efficiency and response times during faults. Such strategic upgrades are crucial for Kenya's economic transformation, especially with ongoing projects like industrial parks and rural electrification targets.

Impact on Kenyans

While necessary, planned power outages can significantly impact households and businesses. Small businesses, such as barbershops, salons, and cyber cafes, often experience substantial financial losses due to disruptions in operations. Manufacturing companies, which account for a significant portion of electricity consumption, can incur millions in losses per hour during outages due to lost production, idle facilities, damaged equipment, and spoiled goods. Hospitals and other essential services also face additional expenses from relying on backup generators.

Stakeholder Engagement and Future Outlook

Stakeholders consistently urge Kenya Power to provide clear communication regarding outage timelines, costs, and safeguards to mitigate the impact on consumers. Kenya Power encourages customers to use their official channels for information and to report issues. These include their social media platforms (Facebook and X), email (customercare@kplc.co.ke), the National Contact Centre (97771, 0703 070707, 0732 170170), and the USSD code *977#.

The company is currently implementing the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) Phase VI, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), to connect 150,000 new customers across 45 counties. This project also includes system reinforcements and grid extensions, underscoring Kenya Power's commitment to achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.

Evidence/Data Box

• Counties Affected: Nyeri, Embu, Kiambu
• Outage Duration: Generally 8-9 hours (e.g., 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EAT or 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EAT)
• Purpose: Routine maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, enhanced grid reliability
• Communication Channel: Kenya Power's official X account (October 12, 2025)
• Economic Impact: Manufacturing sector can lose approximately KES 119.4 million per hour during nationwide blackouts (Business Daily, December 13, 2023)

Unanswered Questions and Uncertainties

While Kenya Power has provided specific areas and times, the precise number of customers affected in each location remains unspecified. Further details on the specific nature of the infrastructure upgrades being undertaken in these particular areas would also provide greater clarity for consumers.

What to Watch

Kenyans should monitor Kenya Power's official communication channels for any updates or changes to the scheduled maintenance. The ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the national grid will be crucial in determining the long-term reliability of electricity supply across the country.